Savory Sautéed Oyster Mushroom Caesar Salad
Discover a delightful twist on a classic favorite with this Savory Sautéed Oyster Mushroom Caesar Salad. Tender oyster mushrooms are sautéed to perfection and layered atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, all brought together with a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing made from low-fat mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and flavorful anchovies. Perfect as a light meal or an elegant side, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with textures and flavors that will impress your guests. Experience the umami richness of the mushrooms paired with the classic Caesar ingredients for a truly satisfying dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons (none)
Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
anchovies
3 (rinsed and minced)
garlic
1 (minced)
water
3 tablespoons (none)
lemon juice
3 tablespoons (fresh)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 pinch (none)
vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (none)
oyster mushrooms
1 lb (cleaned and diced)
romaine lettuce
8 cups (packed and torn)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the low-fat mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced anchovies, minced garlic, water, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the cleaned and diced oyster mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
3
In a large salad bowl, toss the torn romaine lettuce with just enough of the prepared dressing to coat the leaves thoroughly. Serve the salad on individual plates.
4
Top each plate with a generous portion of the sautéed oyster mushrooms. Finally, sprinkle each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese to add a finishing touch.
5
Serve immediately, and enjoy the rich flavors of this elevated Caesar salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sautéed Oyster Mushroom Caesar Salad?
It is a gourmet twist on the classic Caesar salad that replaces or supplements traditional toppings with tender, sautéed oyster mushrooms for a rich umami flavor.
What ingredients are in the homemade Caesar dressing?
The dressing consists of low-fat mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced anchovies, minced garlic, water, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of pepper.
How should I prepare the oyster mushrooms?
Clean and dice 1 lb of oyster mushrooms, then sauté them in vegetable oil for 5 to 8 minutes until they are tender and browned.
Is this Caesar salad recipe healthy?
Yes, it uses low-fat mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, making it a lighter alternative to traditional versions while still being packed with nutrients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it strictly vegetarian, you would need to omit the anchovies from the dressing or replace them with a plant-based salty alternative like capers or seaweed.
How much romaine lettuce is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of packed and torn romaine lettuce.
What is the best way to blend the dressing?
Use a food processor or blender to combine the dressing ingredients on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Do I need to cook the anchovies?
No, the anchovies should be rinsed, minced, and blended raw into the dressing to provide the signature savory flavor.
Should the mushrooms be hot when added to the salad?
It is recommended to allow the sautéed mushrooms to cool slightly before placing them on the romaine lettuce to prevent the leaves from wilting too quickly.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan: 3 tablespoons blended into the dressing and 1 tablespoon for garnishing at the end.
What kind of oil is used for the mushrooms?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for sautéing the oyster mushrooms.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled juice works, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor in the dressing.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the dressing?
Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier to help the dressing stay combined and adds a subtle tangy depth of flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The mushrooms take 5-8 minutes to cook, and the assembly takes approximately 10 minutes, making it a quick 20-minute meal.
Can I store the dressing for later?
Yes, you can store the homemade Caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Is this salad served cold or warm?
The base of the salad is cold, while the sautéed mushrooms are served warm or at room temperature, creating a pleasant temperature contrast.
How do I prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy?
Toss the lettuce with the dressing just before serving and avoid adding the mushrooms while they are steaming hot.
What can I substitute for oyster mushrooms?
If oyster mushrooms are unavailable, shiitake or cremini mushrooms are good substitutes as they also offer a meaty texture and umami flavor.
Do I need to add salt to the recipe?
The recipe does not explicitly call for salt because the anchovies and Parmesan cheese are naturally high in sodium. Taste the dressing first before adding extra salt.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of low-fat?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be used; it will result in a richer and creamier dressing.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a food processor or blender for the dressing, a large skillet for the mushrooms, and a large salad bowl for tossing.
How should I clean the mushrooms without making them soggy?
Wipe the oyster mushrooms with a damp paper towel rather than soaking them in water, as mushrooms absorb liquid easily.
Is this dish suitable as a main course?
Yes, the richness of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the dressing make it a very satisfying light meal on its own.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic, minced, for the dressing.
What texture should the mushrooms have?
The sautéed mushrooms should be tender on the inside with slightly browned, crisp edges.
Can I add croutons to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, croutons are a classic addition to Caesar salad and would add a nice crunch to this version.
Why is water included in the dressing ingredients?
Water is used to thin out the mayonnaise and cheese mixture to achieve a pourable dressing consistency.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Romaine is traditional for its crunch, but you could use kale or little gem lettuce if preferred.
Is the dressing gluten-free?
The dressing is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your Dijon mustard and mayonnaise to ensure no gluten-based thickeners were used.
How do I adjust the seasoning if it's too tart?
If the lemon juice makes it too tart, you can add a small splash of water or a tiny bit more mayonnaise to balance the acidity.